HOW CAN ART HELP ME?

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

How do overuse conditions occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),

accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)

not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?

ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients�?symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients�?problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

From: http://www.activerelease.com/about.asp 

Find a provider: http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp

Active Release Techniques®

ART ® is a soft tissue management system developed by P. Michael Leahy, D.C., CCSP. Dr. Leahy is a chiropractor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He utilized his background in aeronautical engineering and anatomy to effectively treat soft tissue problems, which were not responding to other traditional treatments.

The goal of ART® is to restore optimal texture, motion, and function of the soft tissue and release any entrapped nerves or blood vessels. This is accomplished through the removal of adhesions or fibrosis in the soft tissues via the application of specific protocols. Adhesions can occur as a result of acute injury, repetitive motion , and constant pressure or tension. ART® eliminates the pain and dysfunction associated with these adhesions.

Dr. Leahy first began teaching his innovative technique in 1991 using the name myofascial release. Later in 1995, he trademarked the name Active Release Techniques® . This was done for several reasons �?this technique was dealing with more than just muscle and fascia;

second �?there are many other techniques which utilize the name myofascial release and many practitioners that utilize myofascial release techniques which are not similar in any way or form to ART®

to standardize the treatment a patient receives and duplicate the high rate of success achieved with ART® , a proficiency level was developed for ART® providers.

There are currently three courses offered: Upper extremity, Spine, Lower extremity.

The types of conditions successfully treated with ART® is very diverse.
Some of the more common conditions are:

Carpal tunnel and other peripheral nerve entrapments

Spinal pain and dysfuntion

Tendonitis and other soft tissue inflammatory disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot

Sciatica, TMJ, recurrent sprains and strains

Only a credentialed ART® provider can ascertain whether ART® might prove beneficial for your condition. To become proficient in ART®, it takes approximately two years of working with patients once a provider has taken the courses and passed the required examinations. Providers must attend annual update seminars to maintain their credentialed status and keep current of any new protocols and research. To verify a provider's credentials, ask to see their certificate from Dr. Leahy or call the ART® main office at 888.396.2727

News of Dr. Leahy’s success in treatment with ART® spread quickly and his expertise is sought after by professional and olympic athletes, movie stars and insurance carriers. His new technique has filled a void in the management of soft tissue conditions.

Do you have more questions about this technique? Try reviewing our Frequently Asked Questions  section to find out more about Active Release Techniques® soft tissue treatment

Lots more information here: http://www.drabelson.com/ARTPage.htm  

 http://www.activerelease.ca/2_ARTOverview.html           http://www.logan.edu/pages/chiro_tech_art.asp   

http://www.back2health4you.com/conditions.html